Batteries are also included but must be removed from the equipment before they are shipped for recycling. There is generally no cost incurred by the customer; however, freight charges may be applied in some cases.

“Recycling conserves resources, reduces impact on the environment and makes good business sense,” said Tom Collins, senior vice president, worldwide supply chain & operations, EMS, Motorola. “We’ve established this program to make it easier for our customers to recycle, while supporting Motorola’s goals of reducing the environmental impact of our own products.”

To return smaller or more portable items, customers can arrange shipment to one of Motorola’s e-waste recycling partners online. For larger equipment returns, customers are contacted for pick-up by a Motorola e-waste partner. Motorola audits its recyclers to ensure they comply with laws governing the disposal of electronic equipment, following the company’s supplier code of conduct and industry standards.

In 2008, Motorola collected more than 2,560 tonnes of electronic and electrical equipment waste for recycling. This includes take-back programs, internal electronics recycling efforts and community electronics recycling events sponsored by Motorola.

Additional recycling programs at Motorola:

Motorola participates in electronics equipment take-back programs in countries covered by the European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. In other countries, take-back bins are located at various collection points, including Motorola service centers, shops and offices. Authorized contractors will collect and transport items to approved recycling facilities.

In US, consumers may print a postage-paid label to return Motorola-branded modems, routers and cordless phones, as well as mobile phones and mobile phone accessories from any manufacturer, at no charge. Consumers may contact their local service providers to return Motorola cable set-tops.

Motorola offers or participates in mobile phone take-back programs in 70 countries around the world. The Race to Recycle program enables K-12 schools in the U.S. to earn extra cash for recycling mobile phones. A portion of the proceeds generated from returned mobile phones is distributed to participating schools.

Motorola’s recycling programs are part of the company’s overarching commitment to environmental sustainability.